THE US tycoon lodged plans in October for the second course at his resort in Menie, but withdrew his plans just days after losing his legal bid to stop an offshore wind turbine development being built.

On the same day he announced the purchase of Doonbeg Golf Club, County Clare, in Ireland.

Mr Trump has long threatened to pull the plug on his Scottish development if the turbines are built.

He revealed the Doonbeg deal just hours after the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled against him.

Speaking last year, at the launch of plans for the MacLeod course, Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Golf Links, said the 18-hole course had been designed to complement the existing championship course.

Mr Trump's representatives were not available to comment on the withdrawal of the plans.

A spokeswoman for Trump International said: "I can confirm that the second golf course application has been withdrawn in line with Mr Trump's statement earlier this week.

"We have a phenomenal golf property in the north-east of Scotland including our recently launched boutique house hotel, MacLeod House & Lodge, which is thriving and we will continue to protect this investment.

"But, as Mr Trump has said for the last few years, he will not invest further while the threat of wind turbines remains a possibility.

"Trump is investing heavily in golf across the globe, most recently in Dubai, Miami and now Ireland, while Scotland is missing out.
Mr Trump's plans for his Aberdeenshire property would have happened at much accelerated pace, had it not been for this issue."